Meet the design experts behind Room to Spare, Country Living's 2012 House of the Year.

Marcus Samuelsson | Expert for the Kitchen Cottage

Marcus Samuelsson | Expert for the Kitchen Cottage

Chef Marcus Samuelsson is an internationally acclaimed chef who has thrilled the food scene with a blend of culture and artistic excellence. Celebrated as one of "The Great Chefs of America", Chef Samuelsson launched his career as a graduate of the Culinary Institute in Gothenburg. At the early age of 24, Chef Samuelsson caught the attention of the culinary world at Aquavit. In December 2010, Chef Samuelsson opened Red Rooster Harlem. The restaurant celebrates the roots of American cuisine in one of New York City's liveliest neighborhoods. While Chef Samuelsson has been honored by the prestigious James Beard Foundation on multiple occasions, he continues to maintain humility to the art of food and his UNICEF endeavors, working towards immunization and curbing malnutrition for children throughout the world.

Ruard Veltman | Architect for the Kitchen Cottage

Ruard Veltman | Architect for the Kitchen Cottage

Ruard Veltman was mentored by McArthur Genius Samuel Mockbee in Auburn University's School of Architecture Rural Studio. He was trained by Bobby McAlpine and worked for McAlpine Tankersley Architecture in Montgomery, Alabama; after completing his apprenticeship with his mentor firm in 2001, he began a partnership firm in Charlotte, North Carolina. By 2005, Veltman formed Ruard Veltman Architecture, based in Charlotte with a remote studio in Bald Head Island, North Carolina. Veltman has cultivated a flair for distinctive traditional design while incorporating modernistic elements. He continues to hone his vision of inspired homes in traditional residential neighborhood settings and pristine natural environments.